SBMC takes child protection to community level in Miga LGA

The danger of child abuse is not limited to school attendance but often affects parents’ attitude to education generally. We really appreciate ESSPIN’s effort at raising awareness to protect children not only in school but in their future lives says Ado Maikanti, a member of SBMC in Miga LGA.

Child abuse has been a serious barrier to education especially for girls. Many cases were not reported and this often escalates to affect school attendance leading to the numerous issues around girls’ drop out and failure to complete basic education.

In a community forum organised by the LGA level SBMC committee supported by ESSPIN, parents narrated untold stories about girls abused in the community which were never reported. An LGA level committee was therefore set up to monitor and report cases. This committee was to take recommendations in the ESSPIN Conflict and Education Study report as a guide to understand the manifestations of child abuse and devise stronger measures.We must address the issues at school and community levels. Our response must break the silence to protect the future. We shall work with Head Teachers and mobilisation officers to sensitise children, parents and local communities.The LGEA gender officer declared.

ESSPIN is organising further dissemination of the research findings through the CSOs and LGEAs to ensure awareness and appropriate action. The SUBEB Chairman, Alh Sani Abdullahi assures all communities and schools that SUBEB will mount media mobilisation campaigns against child abuse.Corporal punishment and any form of violence in schools will be checked and punitive measures will be taken, he said